Video Content Management - Ensemble

What is Ensemble?

The Ensemble video server is the newUSD hosted solution for managing and
streaming multimedia content. This new enterprise solution will be
replacing the old Helix streaming server previously used over the past 15 years as the campus solution for streaming video. Ensemble Video offers power and simplicity with an intuitive interface for delivering rich media content that can be embedded on a web site, published as a link, or securely embedded inside Blackboard.

Why do I want Ensemble?

Publish a single video or a video playlist that includes multiple videos

Have students upload video coursework to your account for grading\

Publish secure non-downloadable streaming video

Add multimedia /PDF attachments to your videos

Include chapter markers and annotations for interactive viewing

Compress large video files into web optimized and mobile ready format

How do I get an Ensemble account (individual/department)?

To use Ensemble, fill out the request form, review and sign the Ensemble Terms of Service Agreement to acknowledge that you have read and agree with the terms of use. You are responsible for complying with all copyright policies and must agree to the terms and conditions set forth when uploading materials.

FAQs

What types of files can be placed on the streaming server?
You can upload in any audio or video file and the Ensemble video server will convert the file to a web ready format.

How should my video files be prepared in order to upload them to the streamer?

Each account has 5 GB of storage capacity. However you can upload larger files and through the optimization process, Ensemble compresses your final file size. By default, Ensemble creates your videos in widescreen and optimizes them for playback on desktop and mobile devices. If your file is larger than 20 gigs, you have the following options.

How long should I expect the upload process to take?
We highly recommend uploading using the on-campus network so your video can be uploaded in a few minutes. Otherwise, your video could take much longer to upload. When uploading your video, make sure the progress bar reaches 100% before selecting "Save & Continue" below the media.

Who will be able to access my materials on the streaming server?
You can restrict access to only have the viewed be viewed inside a Blackboard account, or you can send out a link to the video. The links are not searchable and URL’s do not contain stream titles so it would be rare for somebody to come across the link.

How can I add streaming media to my Blackboard class?
Once your video is published, just click on the video in the Media Library and you will be given the html code to publish inside your Blackboard course. You can also select multiple videos inside a playlist so you can send one link to multiple videos.

Who can I contact if I need more help or require training with Ensemble?
Please email iteam@sandiego.edu and provide as many details as possible in your email.